Receiving more than 2.1 million tourists in 2017, Boracay is surely a favorite tourism destination in the country. While the island is busy all year round, it gets its biggest influx of tourists during the summer months. Tourists start to pour in during the Holy Week period, which falls on the last week of March this year, until the Labor Day holiday in May, locally known as Laboracay.
This summer, here are the new spots to discover while in Boracay.
1. Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay
Operating Hours: 24/7
Where: Punta Bunga Cove, Barangay Yapak, Boracay
The swimming pool at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay
Image: Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Boracay, which had its grand opening last January, is among the newest resort hotels in Boracay. The five-star property has 312 rooms with seven diverse restaurants and bars. The resort boasts of a 3,300-sq m multi-level pool area and a 900-sq m venue for meetings and events. They also have a 200-meter private beach.
The resort is home to Sol Marina Beach Club, which is currently under development. Once complete, it will be a venue where international DJs and dance acts will perform. It also houses Sagay Spa, which is named after native Visayan seashells.
2. Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay
Operating Hours: 24/7
Where: Main Road, Station 2, Boracay
Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay has a distinctive circular design.
Image: Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay
Hue Hotels and Resorts opened their second property in Boracay after the success of their maiden project in Puerto Princesa. The Boracay property stands out due to its distinct circular shape. It has 126 rooms and a circular pool area with its own double-deck jacuzzi pool bar. The resort features an all-day dining restaurant and function rooms that are ideal for corporate affairs, intimate gatherings, and even banquets. They also have a spa and a fitness center complete with workout equipment. The hotel also houses Station X, a lifestyle complex with restaurants, a bar, and boutiques. The Streetmarket Boracay food hub is also within Station X.
3. Hennan Crystal Sands Resort
Operating Hours: 24/7
Where: Beachfront, Station 2, Boracay
Hennan Crystal Sands has two swimming pool facing each other.
Image: Hennan Group of Resorts
Hennan Crystal Sands Resort is the newest addition to properties owned by the Hennan Group of Resorts in the island. The 188-room beachfront resort opened in September 2017. It also features two swimming pools and one upper deck pool. An infinity pool overlooking the beach is also set to open soon. The resort has its own event center and fitness facilities which are open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It also houses Sapphire Restaurant which offers modern coastal cuisine with Filipino-inspired interiors plus a pool bar. Guest can witness a live band performance every night at the restaurant.
4. Casa Nutella
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Where: Casa Pilar, Beachfront of Station 3, Boracay
Casa Nutella uses sand to brew their coffee.
Image: Writer
By its name, one can tell that Nutella is an integral part of Casa Nutella. The coffee and pastry shop is located at the beachfront of Casa Pilar Beach Resort in Station 3. The shop is within the renovated beachfront restaurant of the resort. Casa Nutella serves specialty sand coffee using a brewing technique traditionally used to make Turkish coffee. Aside from their Nutella-based drinks, they also serve cakes, gelato, crepes, and waffles.
5. Island Grille
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Where: D’Mall Complex, Station 2, Boracay
Island Grille Boracay serves classic Filipino cuisine.
Image: Writer
Island Grille is a newly opened Filipino-style restaurant at the D’Mall Boracay complex. They just opened last January 11, occupying the former spot of the Enrico Nepomuceno Photography Studio beside Fiesta! One-Stop Souvenir Shop. Their specialty dishes include grilled chicken, fish, and squid. They also serve classic Filipino food favorites such as pork, shrimp or fish sinigang (sour soup) and kare-kare, a stew complimented with a thick savory peanut sauce.
6. Max's Restaurant
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 12:00 MN
Where: Beachfront, Station 2, Brgy. Balabag, Boracay
Façade of Max’s Boracay
Image: Island GTC
Max’s Restaurant has opened its branch in Boracay last January 18. The famous restaurant chain is located between EXIT Bar and Boom Boom Bar at the beachfront in Station 2. They serve chicken, pasta, steak, and other Filipino cuisine. The restaurant has two floors that can cater to more than 100 guests.
